Red in Red (Lightningtrail)

[Ambrose]

The camp was awash with sunlight, but Honeystripe's heart was not, as he trudged out of the warriors' den and up onto a large rock. He stayed to one side of the rock, awaiting company. He had just witnessed the gory, horrific death of Shimmerwing in birth. Ever since his mate, Aspenflower gave birth, he developed a new-found protectiveness for queens; birth was horrific and he was so lucky to not have to do it. His paws, usually white, were scarlet. o lucky to not experience it. He heard joyful birdsong, and covered his face with his paws. He hated seeing others happy when he was not. He remembered his kits... some of them weren't kits anymore, but he remembered them as kits. Little Otterkit, Rowankit, Fennelkit, Reedkit, and Firekit. They made him happy. Honeystripe loved kits. He looked back out over the camp. He could see Otterk- Otterclaw and Fennel...flower talking. He liked Fennelflower's name. It was like Aspenflower. Good old Goldenstar, what with her witty names.
Lightningtrail    

[Lightningtrail]

The moment when you realize missing him only tears you apart

Goldenstar had been having a good day. Well, as good as they usually got. Her sister had come to her with happy news, that was good. but the suspicious tom who fathered her soon-to-be born kin wanted to remain anonymous, and Goldenstar could not help but to feel doubtful in Deerflight's loyalty. That was bad. Not that the father wanted to remain a mystery, but that Goldenstar couldn't trust her own sister. And it made her feel horrible and sick inside.

but as soon as she spotted Honeyclaw, she knew that her day had been good. Better. The small golden she-cat made her way to Honeyclaw, who was perched on a rock with his scarlet paws covering his face as though he was being attacked. "Honeyclaw? Are you ok?" Goldenstar mewed gently as she approached the golden tom. She sat next to him, and placed her tail across his back in an attempt to let him know that someone was here to listen if he wished to talk. 

is the moment you find your dignity

[Ambrose]

Speak of the devil, thought Honeystripe, giggling to himself albeit gloomily. Goldenstar was coming over to him. She looked okay on the outside,  but he suspected she had been broken on the inside. He licked his paws frantically. He wasn't a murderer, and he didn't want to be - or look like - one. but Goldenstar had already noticed. He looked up at her, mortified. "Are you-" Goldenstar tried to ask.  No, Goldenstar! I swear I..." Honeystripe paused. Goldenstar knew he didn't hurt anyone, right? Right? He looked at her, trying to hold in tears. "I'm not okay."

"Shimmerwing was kitting,  and I was in the Nursery, protecting the Queens... I do that a lot. I remembered when Aspenflower was kitting. It was normal. but when Shimmering started bleeding everywhere... I thought how it could have been Aspenflower. " And he broke down crying. "I know it's stupid,  because it wasn't Aspenflower. but I'm so protective of Queens now. A-Are you having a good day?"

[Lightningtrail]

The moment when you realize missing him only tears you apart

Goldenstar was in a bit of shock as Honeystripe interrupted her with pleading. As though he were pleeding for his life or for his well being, he was begging for her to not banish him. but she knew that he never would have killed a cat, and she had been told of Shimmerwing's  birth earlier. She assumed that he had been with her. 

Goldenstar was lost for words. This was not in the list of duties that the StarClanner had given to her moons ago. She was supposed to lead her clan, help to make decisions, go to gatherings and choose a capable deputy. but they never told her how to comfort a clanmate, and that was what she needed to know the most. "Honeystripe, I am very sorry that you had to be there during the kitting. Usually, the medicine cat does not let toms in for that very reason," She tried to explain, knowing she probably was doing little to help him. "but what happened was truly tragic. I know that Aspenflower is a strong she-cat who I believe that will be fine if she ever gives birth again." Goldenstar mewed. She knew of Aspenflower, she was a good, strong cat whose previous birth had gone smoothly. 

"And, no, Honeystripe, it is not stupid. Any cat in your position would be horrified with what happened in the nursery. Any cat in your place would be terrified for their mates or for themselves. When I heard of what happened to Shimmerwing, I immediately thought of my sister, who is currently pregnant." She admitted, her dark green gaze shifting to look at her feet. "So, no, I am not having a good day. I am just having a day. A day where I am happy that my loved ones are alive and well."

is the moment you find your dignity

[Ambrose]

Honeystripe's eyes widened. "I'm sorry that you had to be there." he heard Goldenstar say. "It's not your f-fault." he whimpered, hyperventilating. It was not a dangerous hyperventilation that he could die from, but rather when one cries and has difficulty breathing. 

The medicine cat should have been there. Nightpoppy or Molepaw should have been there. but they weren't, and that was stupid. Anger welled in Honeystripes' heart, and it would explode out of his mouth soon, rushing out like water through a floodgate. "Why wasn't a medicine cat there, Goldenstar? That's what they're for!" he cried, making marks on the rock with his claws. He was embarrassed for letting it out in front of Goldenstar, looking around to see if anyone else heard him. Nobody was looking at him, so that was good.

And then she started talking about Aspenflower, and how she was a strong shecat. And Honeystripe could agree with every word. He felt warm inside, with mention of his beloved. So many emotions were inside of him; anger, sadness, embarrassment, but mostly happiness. This wonderful leader had come to help him with his problems. He was also filled with love for Aspenflower, so it was a strange feeling. 

but there was one thing he was sure of; everything would be okay.
"Thank you, Goldenstar."
OOC:
I think we could leave it there.